Protest in PoJK over repair of gully roads and lack of government funds

PoJK: The government’s failure to allocate funds for the maintenance and development of the Sudhan Gali Road in Bagh district prompted the civil society of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) to take to the streets in a fierce protest. The government’s inaction has resulted in locals becoming increasingly frustrated, as the road, which was once a tourist attraction, has fallen into severe disrepair.

The demonstrators expressed their apprehensions regarding the road’s deteriorating condition by chanting anti-government slogans. They emphasized that the road has become a significant safety hazard for both locals and travelers who depend on it for transportation to the region’s scenic destinations.

Raja Abdul Hafeez, an activist, provided a detailed account of the protest, including his prior endeavors to secure government support.

“On June 12, the Prime Minister visited, and we ceased the protest following the Chief Secretary’s intervention, who assured us of a sum of 15.36 crore.” We have been diligently pursuing this issue through a variety of channels; however, the file has been remaining in Muzaffarabad for months, despite our efforts. Hafeez stated, “We are now compelled to take to the streets.”

Large number of public protests in PoJK

This is the first occasion on which local civil society organizations have been compelled to organize a public demonstration in such a number. Their demand is for the government to promptly designate funds for the urgent restoration of the Sudhan Gali Road, which is essential for local transportation and tourism. Not only is the absence of infrastructure development a safety concern, but it is also an economic one. The Sudhan Gali Road was once a significant tourist attraction; however, its current condition has resulted in a decrease in the number of visitors, which has placed a strain on the local economy, which is heavily reliant on tourism.

“We are left with no other option but to raise our voices,” Hafeez emphasized. “We are asking all political parties to come forward and help resolve this issue for the sake of the people and the economy.”

This protest is indicative of the broader apprehensions regarding the government’s neglect of critical services and development initiatives in the region, as local communities in PoJK are encountering a growing number of obstacles as a result of inadequate infrastructure. As of now, the government has not provided any indication regarding the allocation of funds or the resumption of construction on the Sudhan Gali Road.

The demonstrators have pledged to persist in their endeavors until their demands are satisfied, and they have issued a warning that additional measures may be implemented if the matter is not resolved. The road’s state of dereliction is indicative of a more extensive pattern of infrastructure neglect in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where residents persist in their demand for improved attention to their fundamental requirements.